Braxton Hicks or True Labor Contractions?

Before "true" labor begins, you may have "false" labor pains, also known as Braxton Hicks contractions. These irregular uterine contractions are perfectly normal and may start to occur as early as the second trimester, although they are more common during the third trimester of pregnancy. They are your body's way of getting ready for the "real thing."

not get much stronger. Or they may be strong at first and then get weaker. Where do you feel the pain? Contractions are usually only felt in the front of the abdomen or pelvic region

strength

Contractions usually start in the lower back and move to the front of the abdomen

What Do Braxton Hicks Contractions Feel Like?

Braxton Hicks contractions can be described as tightening in the abdomen that comes and goes. These contractions are typically not painful and do not occur at regular intervals. They do not get closer together, do not increase with walking, do not increase in how long they last, and do not feel stronger over time as they do when you are in true labor.

If you have signs of true labor, contact your health care provider immediately. But if you're unsure, call your health care provider anyway. If you are experiencing any of the following you may be in true labor.

What Do True Labor Contractions Feel Like?

The way a true labor contraction feels is different for each woman and may feel different from one pregnancy to the next. Labor contractions cause discomfort or a dull ache in your back and/or lower abdomen, along with pressure in the pelvis. Some women may also feel pain in their sides and thighs. Some women describe contractions as strong menstrual cramps, while others describe them as strong waves that feel like diarrhea cramps.

Contractions (tightening of the muscles in the uterus which cause discomfort or a dull ache in the lower abdomen) every 10 minutes or more than five contractions in an hour. Regular tightening or pain in your back or lower abdomen. Pressure in the pelvis or vagina. Menstrual-like cramps. Bleeding. Fluid leak. Flu-like symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

In contrast, if you are having Braxton Hicks contractions, you really don't need to do anything unless they are causing you discomfort. If they are making you uncomfortable try the following:

How Do I Know When Contractions Indicate I Am in True Labor?

To figure out if the contractions you are feeling are the real thing and you're going into labor, ask yourself the following questions. Contraction Characteristics False Labor True Labor Contractions come at regular intervals and last about 3070 seconds. As time goes on, they get closer together. Contractions continue despite movement or changing positions Contractions steadily increase in

Take a walk. False labor contractions often stop when you change position or get up and walk. Get some sleep or rest. Relax. Drink water, juice, or herbal tea. Eat a snack or small meal. Get a massage.

How often do the Contractions are often contractions irregular and occur? do not get closer together

I Sometimes Have Pain on the Side of My Stomach. Is This True Labor?

Probably not. Sharp, shooting pains on either side of your abdomen (called round ligament pain) that travel into the groin may result from stretching ligaments that support your growing uterus. To ease the discomfort in your sides:

Do they change with movement?

Contractions may stop when you walk or rest, or may even stop if you change positions Contractions are usually weak and do

Try changing your position or activity. Make sure you are drinking enough fluids (at least 6 to 8 glasses of water, juice, or milk per day). Try to rest.

How strong are they?

I Am Afraid to Keep Bothering My Health Care Provider With "False Alarms." When Should I Call My Health Care Provider?

Your health care provider is available any time to answer your questions and to ease your concerns about whether or not your contractions are signs of true or false labor. Don't be afraid to call your provider if you are not sure what it is you are feeling. He or she may ask you some questions to help determine if you are truly in labor. If there's any question at all, it's better to be evaluated by your health care provider. It is essential to call your health care provider at any time if you have:

Any vaginal bleeding. Continuous leaking of fluid or wetness, or if your water breaks (can be felt as a "gushing" of fluid). Strong contractions every 5 minutes for an hour. Contractions that you are unable to "walk through." A noticeable change in your baby's movement or if you feel less than 10 movements every two hours. Any symptoms of contractions if you are not yet 37 weeks.
a. First Stage of Labor. The first stage of labor is referred to as the "dilating" stage. It is the period from the first true labor contractions to complete dilatation of the cervix (10cm) (see figure 2-2). The forces involved are uterine contractions. The first stage of labor is divided into three phases: (1) Latent (early) or prodromal. (2) Active or accelerated. (3) Transient or transitional. b. Second Stage of Labor. The second stage of labor is referred to as the "delivery or expulsive" stage. This is the period from complete dilatation of the cervix to birth of the baby. The forces involved are uterine contractions plus intra-abdominal pressure. c. Third Stage of Labor. The third stage of labor is referred to as the "placental" stage. This is the period from birth of the baby until delivery of the placenta. The forces involved are uterine contractions and intra-abdominal pressure. d. Fourth Stage of Labor. The fourth stage of labor is referred to as the "recovery or stabilization" stage. This period begins with the delivery of the placenta and ends when the uterus no longer tends to relax. The forces involved are uterine contractions a. Contractions. (1) True labor. The contractions of true labor produce progressive dilatation and enfacement of the cervix. These contractions occur regularly and increase in frequency, duration, and intensity. The discomfort of true labor contractions usually starts in the back and radiates around to the abdomen and is not relieved by walking. (2) False labor. False labor contractions are referred to as Braxton Hicks contractions. They do not produce progressive cervical effacement and dilatation. They are irregular and do not increase in frequency, duration, and intensity. Discomfort is located chiefly in the lower abdomen and groin area. Walking often offers relief. b. Show. This is another sign of impending labor. After the discharge of the mucous plug that has filled the cervical canal during

pregnancy, the pressure of the descending presenting part of the fetus causes the minute capillaries in the cervix to rupture. This blood is mixed with mucus and therefore has a pink tinge. (1) True labor. Show is usually present in true labor. There will be pinkish mucus or a bloody discharge. This mucus or discharge may also be from the mucous plug from the cervix. (2) False labor. Show is not present in false labor. However, the mother may have an old, brownish discharge especially if she had a vaginal exam within the last 48 hours. c. Cervix. (1) True labor. In true labor, the cervix becomes effaced and dilates progressively. This change can be identified within an hour or two. (2) False labor. In false labor, the cervix is usually un-effaced and closed. There is no change identified if the cervix is rechecked in an hour or two. d. Fetal Movement. (1) True labor. There is no significant change in fetal movement even though the fetal continues to move. (2) False labor. Fetal movement may intensify for a short period or it may remain the same. Rupture of Membranes (Water Breaking) Sometimes labor begins with the bag of waters or membranes rupture, about 12% of the time. However, 75% of the time this does not happen until very late in labor, usually after 9 centimeters. If your water breaks you may notice a near constant trickle of fluid from the vagina or a sudden gush. You should talk to your practitioner about when to call about your waters breaking before you reach the end of your pregnancy, but you should definitely notify them if you experience the following: Fluid is not clear, but green or brownish You have a fever You feel something pulsing in the vagina (If you feel this put your knees to your chest on the floor and call 911, you may have a prolapsed cord.) It is important to not place anything inside the vagina after your water has broken, so avoid: intercourse, baths, and vaginal exams.